Once Upon A Slap

(19) "Do You Regret It?" "With Every Bone in My Damn Body"

**Chapter 19**

"Katie, calm down." Kyle tried soothing me since I was crying. I quickly wiped the tears away as soon as they flowed down my cheeks, not wanting anybody to see. Unfortunately for me, they did. I could also tell that behind their kind words, they pitied me. I wanted to yell at them until they left me alone but that didn't really get me anywhere last time. For that very reason, I kept my mouth shut.

"I'm fine." I reassured both Kyle and Jason, who were currently hovering over me. I tried my best to smile. My lips trembled but I willed myself to keep them smiling, even if I didn't look like I was really smiling.

"Bull." Jason spoke flatly, not even a moment's hesitation flickering in his words. I rolled my eyes. I was fine. Crying was the norm for me. That was when I realized that I cried way too much. If I didn't want people to pity me, I needed to stop crying in front of people. I willed myself to stop crying and surprisingly, I did. I guess willpower is all you really need. Cameron too rolled his eyes. I was about to make a witty reply that would assure them that I was fine, but Cameron beat me to it.

"Guys she's fine. She's always fucking crying." Cameron's words were laced with boredom. I looked away.

Was I really that vulnerable? Did I really cry that much? All of my questions were soon answered. I do. I am vulnerable and I do cry a lot. Although, not for long. I promised to myself that I would never cry. At that precise moment, I made a vow. I vowed that I would never cry. Crying means being vulnerable, being vulnerable means being weak and that means that people will be able to see right through the act and walls I spent nearly my entire life building. I won't allow it, I simply won't.

Kyle and Jason glared at him.

"Don't be such a fag, you little sh-" Jason began, glaring at Cameron. I almost laughed at the way Jason was scolding Cameron; like a mother would scold her child, only more vulgar. The exact way my mother wouldn't.

She won't scold me because she isn't around enough to do so and she really doesn't care much for me anyway. Parents only scold their children when they care; my parents obviously don't care so therefore, they don't scold me. I put up a hand, interrupting Jason. I also shook off Kyle's hand.

"I'm fine." I huffed. Sure, I was fine. At least, I think I am.

"You shouldn't have to settle for fine." I heard Cameron mumble. I could barely make out the words, but I think I heard correctly; probably not. Nevertheless, my cheeks continued to turn crimson. Is he bipolar? Shaking my head, I rid myself of my thoughts.

"I'm going to go grab a drink. See you guys later."

Not you though, Cameron. I don't want to see you again. I might want to kiss you again.

Recklessly, I found a closed can of beer and began downing the drink like my life was dependant on it.

To hell with no drinking. I'm all for getting so wasted that I won't even remember what year it is.

I hopped up onto a stool, taking another swig. I was about to take another mouthful of the drink when I saw a dirty blonde boy hop onto the stool next to me. I marveled in his beauty before realizing that the person was Mason, the boy from the line at the mall. I grinned, a slight blush tinting my cheeks and took another swig. I began to feel a little lightheaded, but it wasn't so bad.

"Enjoying yourself?" Mason smirked cockily, gesturing towards my drink. I turned a deeper shade of red.

"It's good." I replied, taking another sip of the bittersweet drink. He arched an eyebrow.

"And how do you like the party?" He asked, still shooting me cocky glances. I ignored them completely, of course.

"It's great. Whoever organised it must've put a lot of work into it." I admitted. It was true; this party was absolutely phenomenal. There were drinks and snacks all around the entire house. Hell, there were even condoms in every room. I have to say, whoever organised this party must have a lot of experience. Mason smirked smugly, taking a mouthful of his vodka. When he looked back at me after taking a sip, I saw that his lips were stained red.